An NFL Nut.

Football stuff.

Plaxico Burress

Does Everything Always Happen for a Reason?

A woman was walking down the hallway past my counseling office after she had seen Linda, the message therapist.  My office door was open so I heard the lady remark, “Everything happens for a reason, my friend.”  The certainty built into her response was comforting to me.  However, I began wondering if her statement was really accurate. 

Sometimes traumatic things happen because of our own laziness and stupidity.  Case in point is Plaxico Burress, wide-receiver for the New York Giants, who carried an illegally purchased loaded weapon in his pocket into a New York City night club.  The gun fell out of his pocket, fired in the VIP section of the bar as the bullet grazed his leg and eventually lodged in the building wall.  Burress immediately left the establishment, gave the gun to a teammate and later lied to the police regarding his whereabouts during the discharge of the weapon.  He also made up an alias at the hospital in an attempt to protect himself from arrest. 

Whenever we create our own suffering, we need to accept the logical consequences of our behavior.  There is a reason for our distress, and it is imperative to learn from our mistakes so that we do not repeat the same worn out patterns of behavior.  Burress will be prosecuted for violating a city statute regarding illegal firearms possession and lying to police to cover up his crime.        

Most of us are able to discern God’s handiwork in the fabric of life.  When we think about the intricacies and complexity of the human body, or the majesty of magnificent mountain peaks, we are left with the conclusion that a Creative Designer was at work.  What other plausible explanation exists for the wondrous mystery of childbirth or the intriguing process associated with the death of loved ones?

Many of life’s tragedies are not caused or influenced by the sufferer’s mistakes.   These horrific events leave us feeling breathless and mystified.  As Rabbi Harold Kushner puts it in his book, Why Bad Things Happen to Good People, there is often a random quality connected to the nature of the universe.  Simplistic explanations to account for many of life’s most difficult trials and tribulations leave us feeling empty as we long to make sense out of the perplexing nature of events. 

Years ago, I attended Victor Frankl’s presentation about his story, Man’s Search for Meaning.  Frankl’s family members were the tragic victims of the Holocaust.  Frankl stressed that life’s meaning was not embedded in the senseless, horrific events he encountered, but in his response to them.  Frankl said, “When everything around me was lost, all I had left was my attitude about what was happening.”  This was the foundation upon which he built his psychotherapeutic theory called Logotherapy.

Rabbi Harold Kushner explored how he lost his young son Aaron to a disease which dramatically escalated the aging process.  Kushner claimed that many congregants, with good intentions, made comments that shook his faith to the core.  They proclaimed, “Maybe God is trying to teach you a lesson through this experience.”  Others stated, “Your child is in a happier place now: you should rejoice.”  The assumption held by his parishioners was, “God has a hand in your suffering and there is something that He wants to teach you by allowing it.”  Kushner maintained that nothing he might learn from tragedy was worth the unfortunate loss of a child.

Just as we converse about random acts of kindness, I believe that life brings us random encounters with horror.  God does not control man’s choosing between good and evil.  Certainly He identifies and is aroused by the tears and pain of life’s challenges, but there is nothing He chooses to do to prevent natural disasters and unjust suffering.  I believe that it is simplistic to conclude that somehow our Creator has a reason and purpose for the activity of random tragedy; and that someday we will understand that the unfolding of these events happened for His glory. 

The meaning of unjust tragedy is not in the event, it is in our response to the event.  John Walsh, who authored America’s Most Wanted program, created meaning out of his child’s brutal abduction and killing by hunting down criminals.  He never gave up hope that they would find his son’s killer and he spent his life in service to other families who were victims of random acts of violence and exploitation.  Thankfully, his family has received some closure. 

When underserved, random suffering causes pain, it is God who is there to pick us up, cradle us and provide affirmation.  Our meaning is found as we allow our God to soothe and recreate our lives.  No one should trivialize suffering by offering meaningless, misguided platitudes, but by providing support and encouragement in our time of need. 

Not everything happens for a reason.  To suggest God’s involvement in unwarranted tragic events trivializes our experience with trauma and suggests that God chooses to control every strand of human activity.  It is not always comforting, but far more honest to admit that we don’t know for sure why certain things happen.  Nevertheless, God promises to be on the other side of our grief and loss.

About the Author

James P. Krehbiel is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist. His first book, Stepping Out of the Bubble is available at www.booklocker.com. He specializes in working with children and adults experiencing anxiety and depressive disorders. He is the Shrink Rap columnist for TheImproper.com, an upscale news and entertainment resource located in NYC. He has published numerous counseling-related articles, most available via Google searches. He can be reached at jkboardroomsuites@yahoo.com.

Where do you think is a good fit for Plaxico Burress?

Imagine him with the Patiriot Moss, Plax wide and Welker in the slot. Damn! Although i am aware that NE is porbably looking for defensive players more than offensive, but i think Plaxico would fit in well in NE i mean look how well Moss fit in with the Patriots after being with the Raiders.(the only thing is i don't really see Plax taking a huge pay cut to make this move happen)

As a packer fan it kills me to say it, but I think he'll end up in chicago. The bears made a push for Holt and wont get him, so the next logical choice is Burress. And everyone knows cutler doesnt have anyone to throw to. Burress will be a god receiver for the younger guys like hester and bennett to learn under.

Plaxico Burress On How he Shot Himself

Plaxico Burress $58 Plaxico Burress san francisco

Plaxico Burress Autographed Football $333 Plaxico Burress Autographed Football Plaxico Burress Autgraphed Official NFL Football

Plaxico Burress 2011 Action $9.99 Plaxico Burress 2011 Action - Photo

Plaxico Burress Photo $5.95 Plaxico Burress Photo Plaxico Burress NY Giants Breaking Tackle 8x10 Photo

Plaxico Burress Autographed Jersey $555 Plaxico Burress Autographed Jersey Plaxico Burress Autographed NY Giants Football Jersey

Plaxico Burress New York Giants $163.99 Plaxico Burress New York Giants - Photo

Plaxico Burress - Super Bowl XLII $9.99 Plaxico Burress - Super Bowl XLII - Photo

Autographed Plaxico Burress Football $432.95 Autographed Plaxico Burress Football This is an pro authentic NFl football autographed by New York Giants wide receiver, Plaxico Burress. This comes with a certificate of authenticity .

Signed Plaxico Burress Photograph - 16x20 $115.5 Signed Plaxico Burress Photograph - 16x20 Plaxico Burress Autographed / Signed 16x20 Photo

Plaxico Burress Autographed Photograph - 16x20 $115.5 Plaxico Burress Autographed Photograph - 16x20 Plaxico Burress Autographed / Signed 16x20 Photo

Plaxico Burress Signed Photo - 8x10 $116.96 Plaxico Burress Signed Photo - 8x10 Plaxico Burress Autographed / Signed 8x10 Photo

Plaxico Burress Autographed Mini Helmet $259 Plaxico Burress Autographed Mini Helmet Plaxico Burress Autographed NY Giants Mini Helmet

Plaxico Burress New York Giants - Running $163.99 Plaxico Burress New York Giants - Running - Photo

Plaxico Burress Stiff Arm vs Jets $149.99 Plaxico Burress Stiff Arm vs Jets - Photo

Plaxico Burress Signed Football $281.01 Plaxico Burress Signed Football Plaxico Burress Autographed Wilson Authentic NFL On Field Leather Game Ball. To ensure this items authenticity: This Wilson On Field Game Ball was hand signed by Plaxico Burress at a private signing event in the presence of a Mounted Memories agent and comes with Mounted Memories new individually numbered tamper evident hologram affixed to the football and a corresponding database that be found by logging onto their website...this authentication process guarantees the authenticity of this collectible for life. The Mounted Memoreis hologram number on this item is 0086980.

Plaxico Burress Autographed Jersey - Authentic $417.5 Plaxico Burress Autographed Jersey - Authentic New York Giants Size 52 Blue Authentic Reebok Jersey hand signed by Plaxico Burress. The signature is authenticated by VIP Memorabilia and will include their Certificate of Authenticity and hologram on the jersey and COA.

Autographed Plaxico Burress Picture - Color Framed $199.2 Autographed Plaxico Burress Picture - Color Framed This is an autographed photo of New York Giants wide receiver, Plaxico Burress. This comes with a hologram GTSM certificate of authenticity.

Plaxico Burress Signed Picture - Color Unframed $199.2 Plaxico Burress Signed Picture - Color Unframed This is an autographed 16x20 photo of New York Giants wide receiver, Plaxico Burress. This comes with a certificate of authenticity .

Signed Plaxico Burress Picture - 16x20 dings $13.36 Signed Plaxico Burress Picture - 16x20 dings Plaxico Burress hand autographed New York Giants 16x20 Photo. Burress hologram and Certificate of Authenticity. Photo has major indentions/creases in photo, sold as is, no returns.

Plaxico Burress Autographed Helmet - Authentic $520 Plaxico Burress Autographed Helmet - Authentic Plaxico Burress signed Giants Riddell ProLine authentic full-size helmet. This was signed at our Private Signing and comes with a Schwartz Sports credit card certificate of authenticity (COA) which includes an image of the item and matching tamper-proof holograms.

Autographed Plaxico Burress Photo - 8x10 $25.38 Autographed Plaxico Burress Photo - 8x10 In his first season playing for New York, Plaxico Burress caught 76 passes for 1,214 yards, helping the team earn an 11–5 record, good enough for first place in the NFC East as well as the NFC's fourth seed. Plaxico Burress has hand autographed this New York Giants 8x10 Photo. GTSM hologram and Certificate of Authenticity.

Autographed Plaxico Burress Picture - 16x20 $40.08 Autographed Plaxico Burress Picture - 16x20 In his first season playing for New York, Plaxico Burress caught 76 passes for 1,214 yards, helping the team earn an 11–5 record, good enough for first place in the NFC East as well as the NFC's fourth seed. Plaxico Burress has hand autographed this New York Giants 16x20 Photo. GTSM hologram and Certificate of Authenticity.

Plaxico Burress Autographed Photo - 8x10 $74.99 Plaxico Burress Autographed Photo - 8x10 Plaxico Burress Autographed Photo - 8x10. Amazing signature quality. We challenge you to find another piece of this quality at a better price. As items like this become more rare, their value tends to increase. Every item we see is 100% guaranteed authentic. Sports memorabilia collectors love stats, and Burress's can't be beat. Extremely rare piece with hologram certification. Memorabilia insiders know that Plaxico Burress doesn't do official signing sessions very often, and pieces like this are hard to find.

Plaxico Burress Autographed Mini Helmet - Replica $129.2 Plaxico Burress Autographed Mini Helmet - Replica Plaxico Burress New York Giants Mini Helmet Comes fully certified with a Athletic Promotional Events certificate of authenticity.

Autographed Burress Photograph - 16x20 $115.5 Autographed Burress Photograph - 16x20 Plaxico Burress Autographed / Signed 16x20 Photo

Autographed Plaxico Burress Photo - 8 x10 New York Giants $116.96 Autographed Plaxico Burress Photo - 8 x10 New York Giants Plaxico Burress New York Giants Autographed / Signed 8 x10 Photo

Plaxico Burress Giants Signed Framed Photo 11x17 $65.12 Plaxico Burress Giants Signed Framed Photo 11x17 PLAXICO BURRESS GIANTS SIGNED FRAMED PHOTO 11X17Every signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Plaxico Burress Signed Picture - 16x20 Elite $41.91 Plaxico Burress Signed Picture - 16x20 Elite Plaxico Burress Giants Auto/Signed 16x20 Photo EliteEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Plaxico Burress Autographed Picture - NY 8x10 $29.3 Plaxico Burress Autographed Picture - NY 8x10 PLAXICO BURRESS Signed NY GIANTS 8x10 photoEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Plaxico Burress Autographed Picture - Jsa coa 8x10 $45.09 Plaxico Burress Autographed Picture - Jsa coa 8x10 PLAXICO BURRESS STEELERS JSA/COA SIGNED 8X10 PHOTOEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Plaxico Burress Signed Mini Helmet - Pittsburgh Steelers $110.48 Plaxico Burress Signed Mini Helmet - Pittsburgh Steelers PLAXICO BURRESS PITTSBURGH STEELERS SIGNED MINI HELMETEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

PLAXICO BURRESS Signed NY GIANTS 8x10 photo $24.42 PLAXICO BURRESS Signed NY GIANTS 8x10 photo PLAXICO BURRESS Signed NY GIANTS 8x10 photoEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Plaxico Burress Signed Photo - 16x20 $99 Plaxico Burress Signed Photo - 16x20 This is a great item to add to the collection of any fan! The 16x20 photo shown here was signed during a private signing with Mounted Memories. It features a Mounted Memories tamper-proof hologram which is numbered to ensure its authenticity.

Plaxico Burress Autographed 16 x 20 Photograph $56.67 Plaxico Burress hand autographed New York Giants (NFL) 16x20 Photo. GTSM hologram and Certificate of Authenticity from Athlon Sports.

Signed Plaxico Burress Photo - New York Giants 8x10 $83.3 Signed Plaxico Burress Photo - New York Giants 8x10 Plaxico Burress New York Giants 8x10 Photo Comes fully certified with a Athletic Promotional Events certificate of authenticity.

Signed Plaxico Burress Photograph - 8x10 $119 Signed Plaxico Burress Photograph - 8x10 This piece of autographed memorabilia comes directly from Mounted Memories so you are guaranteed a top quality smudge free signature. This item comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Mounted Memories and includes their matching holograms. Mounted Memories is one of the largest memorabilia companies in the world and each signature is witnessed by one of their representatives. Make sure to add a high quality display case to your order to protect your investment.

Autographed Plaxico Burress Photograph - 8x10 $119 Autographed Plaxico Burress Photograph - 8x10 This piece of autographed memorabilia comes directly from Mounted Memories so you are guaranteed a top quality smudge free signature. This item comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Mounted Memories and includes their matching holograms. Mounted Memories is one of the largest memorabilia companies in the world and each signature is witnessed by one of their representatives. Make sure to add a high quality display case to your order to protect your investment.

Plaxico Burress Autographed Photograph - Run vsCardinals 16x20 $129.99 Plaxico Burress Autographed Photograph - Run vsCardinals 16x20 Plaxico Burress is fast becoming a favorite among New York Giants fans. The talented wide receiver joined the Giants after five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and has made an immediate mark becoming a regular target for Eli Manning. In his first 12 games with Big Blue he caught six touchdown passes and seems assured of breaking his personal record of seven touchdowns in a season. Plaxico Burress has hand signed this 16x20 photo of him running after making a catch against the Arizona Cardinals. A Steiner Sports Certificate of Authenticity is included.

Plaxico Burress SB XLII Running Down Field After TD graph $159.99 Plaxico Burress SB XLII Running Down Field After TD graph - Photo

Autographed Burress Photograph $51.3 Autographed Burress Photograph Autographed PLAXICO BURRESS photo Pittsburgh Steelers. Signed in sharpie.

Powers Collectibles Burress Plaxico Burress Plaxico 7663 $92.14 Powers Collectibles was started by Matt Powers as a way for sports and celebrity enthusiasts and collectors to have a highquality product available at affordable pricing. Having been in the business since 2004 he noticed there wasn t a web site available that included not only sports and celebrity autographs but also high quality custom framing and display cases. Authenticity is the backbone of the company having all of our items come directly from the athlete/celebrity. All items come with a 100 guaranteed authenticity and Certificate of Authenticity. san francisco

Plaxico Burress Giants Signed Framed 16x20 Photo Jsa $112.71 Plaxico Burress Giants Signed Framed 16x20 Photo Jsa PLAXICO BURRESS GIANTS SIGNED FRAMED 16X20 PHOTO JSAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Plaxico Burress Sb Td Catch Signed Framed Photo 11x17 $81.4 Plaxico Burress Sb Td Catch Signed Framed Photo 11x17 PLAXICO BURRESS SB TD CATCH SIGNED FRAMED PHOTO 11X17Every signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Giants PLAXICO BURRESS SB Champions 8x10 photo #1 $7.21 Giants PLAXICO BURRESS SB Champions 8x10 photo #1 Giants PLAXICO BURRESS SB Champions 8x10 photo #1Every signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Giants PLAXICO BURRESS SB Champions 8x10 photo #2 $7.21 Giants PLAXICO BURRESS SB Champions 8x10 photo #2 Giants PLAXICO BURRESS SB Champions 8x10 photo #2Every signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Giants PLAXICO BURRESS Color Photo/2 Card LARGE PLAQUE $30.33 Giants PLAXICO BURRESS Color Photo/2 Card LARGE PLAQUE Giants PLAXICO BURRESS Color Photo/2 Card LARGE PLAQUEEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Plaxico Burress Framed Photo Coin Highland Mint Display $83.17 Plaxico Burress Framed Photo Coin Highland Mint Display Plaxico Burress Framed Photo Coin Highland Mint DisplayEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Plaxico Burress Sb Xlii 8x10 & 24kt Gold Coins Display $110.89 Plaxico Burress Sb Xlii 8x10 & 24kt Gold Coins Display PLAXICO BURRESS SB XLII 8X10 & 24KT GOLD COINS DISPLAYEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Plaxico Burress Signed Photograph - NY 8x10 BLUE JERSEY $29.3 Plaxico Burress Signed Photograph - NY 8x10 BLUE JERSEY PLAXICO BURRESS Signed NY GIANTS 8x10 photo BLUE JERSEYEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Plaxico Burress Signed Photograph - NY 8x10 vs Saints $29.3 Plaxico Burress Signed Photograph - NY 8x10 vs Saints PLAXICO BURRESS Signed NY GIANTS 8x10 photo vs SaintsEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Plaxico Burress New York Giants Autographed 8x10 Photograph $71.99 This great autographed 8x10 photograph has been personally hand signed by Plaxico Burress. This item comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Athletic Promotional Events Inc.

Autographed Plaxico Burress Photograph - Framed New York Giants vs Falcons 16x20 $238.36 Autographed Plaxico Burress Photograph - Framed New York Giants vs Falcons 16x20 Plaxico Burress Signed / Autographed / Signed Framed New York Giants vs Falcons 16x20 Photo

Plaxico Burress Signed Photo - Framed New York Giants vs Redskins 16x20 $238.36 Plaxico Burress Signed Photo - Framed New York Giants vs Redskins 16x20 Plaxico Burress On Field Autographed / Signed Framed New York Giants vs Redskins 16x20 Photo

Plaxico Burress Pittsburgh Steelers Autographed 16x20 Photo $63.99 Plaxico Burress Pittsburgh Steelers Autographed 16x20 Photo. This item comes with a special tamper evident hologram and certificate of authenticity from Athletic Promotional Events (A.P.E.). Athletic Promotional Events (A.P.E.) stakes its reputation on every item it sells. Authenticity is their number one priority. Every signature has been witnessed by a company representative in order to guarantee quality and authenticity. What a great collectible or gift for the serious sports fan!

Plaxico Burress Super Bowl XLII TD Endzone Celebration 16x20 Photo $160.37 The wide receiver Plaxico Burress joined the Giants after five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and in 2007 he caught the Manning pass that provided the winning points in Super Bowl XLII. Plaxico Burress has hand-signed this 16x20 photograph of his endzone celebration during Super Bowl XLII. Hand-signed by Plaxico BurressA Steiner Sports Certificate of Authenticity is includedDimensions: 16 inches wide x 20 inches tall

Plaxico Burress New York Giants Framed Unsigned 8x10 Photograph $49.99 The Plaxico Burress unsigned 8x10 photo comes double matted and framed in a wood frame and measures 13 1/2 x 16 1/2 x 1. It comes ready to hang in any home or office.

Plaxico Burress Autographed New York Giants Mini Helmet $126.67 A Certificate of Authenticity is included with this Plaxico Burress autographed New York Giants NFL mini helmet. To see a complete listing of display cases that we offer, click here.

Plaxico Burress Autographed Pittsburgh Steelers 16 x 20 Photo $79.95 Autographed Plaxico Burress Pittsburgh Steelers 16" x 20" Photo. This item comes with a special tamper proof hologram and certificate of authenticity from Athletic Promotional Events. What a great collectible or gift for the serious NFL fan!

Plaxico Burress Autographed New York Giants 8 x 10 Photograph (Unframed) $89.09 This photograph is a perfect gift for any Plaxico Burress, New York Giants or NFL fan. A Certificate of Authenticity is included with this autographed photograph.

Signed Plaxico Burress Photo - Stiff Arm vs Jets 8x10 $150.28 Signed Plaxico Burress Photo - Stiff Arm vs Jets 8x10 Plaxico Burress is a favorite among New York Giants fans. The talented wide receiver joined the Giants after five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and made an immediate mark becoming a regular target for quarterback Eli Manning. Burress really came into his own in 2007 as he led all Giants receivers with 70 catches and 1025 yards during the regular season and caught the Manning pass that provided the winning points in Super Bowl XLII. Plaxico Burress has hand signed this 8x10 photograph of him in action as he stiff-arms a New York Jets defender during a Giants-Jets game. A Steiner Sports Certificate of Authenticity is included.

Plaxico Burress Autographed Replica Helmet New York Giants $249.99 Plaxico Burress Autographed Replica Helmet New York Giants Plaxico Burress Autographed Replica Helmet New York Giants. Plaxico Burress has a reputation for avoiding official signing sessions, so pieces like this are hard to find. Compare Burress's numbers and you'll see why he's one of the best. We've never had a complaint about authenticity, and all of our items are 100% guaranteed authentic. items like this tend to appreciate in value, making it a good bet for any collection. Everything we sell has been evaluated for quality by our dedicated staff of sports fans. Superb signature quality. This is a rare piece and comes with Sportsmemorabilia.com's tamper-proof numbered hologram.

Tags: burress, giants, nfl, plaxico, plaxico burress jersey, plaxico burress news, plaxico burress sentence, plaxico burress shooting, plaxico burress wife, york

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 31st, 2006 at 9:17 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.